Accountant 1

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 605,000 - 925,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

ODHS Employee Resource Groups

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is hiring an Accountant 1 to join the Office of Financial Services. The role supports ODHS and Oregon Health Authority financial operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with state and federal policies.

Responsibilities include applying GAAP and related standards, reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and providing explanations to staff and leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience applying accounting theory in practical work settings.
• Experience performing routine financial analysis.
• Experience communicating effectively in writing and verbally with internal and external partners.
• Experience using problem-solving and analytical skills to evaluate information and resolve issues.
• Experience organizing work, maintaining attention to detail, and meeting deadlines.
• Experience using computerized accounting systems to compile, maintain, and analyze accounting information.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets, graphing, tables, calculations, and automation tools.

Responsibilities

• Apply established accounting practices, including GAAP, OAM, GAAS and GAAFR, to maintain routine procedures and controls across accounts payable, contracts, grants, and related functions with the primary focus on HR1 implementation.
• Analyze a variety of accounting transactions to decide and initiate appropriate entries in agency accounting subsystems and the Statewide Financial Management System (SFMS).
• Reconcile accounts, make routine correcting entries, and recommend changes to management when recurring reconciliation issues are identified.
• Apply standard accounting practices to design, prepare, and reconcile balance sheets, operating statements, and other financial reports for assigned funds.
• Conduct routine analysis of fiscal data and prepare cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections to assist with agency planning needs.
• Provide explanations of routine accounting data to agency staff and leadership to assist with understanding accounting records and reports.
• Recommend improvements to OFS accounting procedures and practices.
• Support projects that enhance efficiency and standard accounting practices.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Microsoft Excel

Problem solving

Time management

SFMS experience

Education

CPA or CGFM certificate

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Accounting certificate program

Tools

SFMS

Job description

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Opportunity awaits!

Position Title

Accountant 1

Salary

$4,519 - $6,904

Summary of Duties

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Financial Services (OFS) is seeking a skilled professional with knowledge of accounting principles and practices to join their team! The Office of Financial Services (OFS) operates as a shared financial service for ODHS and Oregon Health Authority (OHA). OFS is the steward of ODHS and OHA financial resources ensuring honesty, integrity, and accountability by efficiently and effectively providing accurate, accountable, and responsive financial management and business services to clients, stakeholders, and employees in support of ODHS and OHA missions and in compliance with state laws and federal policies, rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Apply established accounting practices, including GAAP, OAM, GAAS and GAAFR, to maintain routine procedures and controls across accounts payable, contracts, grants, and related functions with the primary focus on HR1 implementation.
• Analyze a variety of accounting transactions to decide and initiate appropriate entries in agency accounting subsystems and the Statewide Financial Management System (SFMS).
• Reconcile accounts, make routine correcting entries, and recommend changes to management when recurring reconciliation issues are identified.
• Apply standard accounting practices to design, prepare, and reconcile balance sheets, operating statements, and other financial reports for assigned funds.
• Conduct routine analysis of fiscal data and prepare cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections to assist with agency planning needs.
• Provide explanations of routine accounting data to agency staff and leadership to assist with understanding accounting records and reports.
• Recommend improvements to OFS accounting procedures and practices.
• Support projects that enhance efficiency and standard accounting practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate; OR A bachelor’s degree in accounting; OR Successful completion of the State of Oregon Accounting Career Mobility Program or equivalent accounting certificate program from an accredited college or university; OR 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours in Accounting from an accredited institution AND two years of technical, para- professional accounting experience to include: a) classifying, analyzing, and reconciling financial data and records; b) designing, recommending, and installing modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; c) preparing financial statements and reports; d) analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances to ensure the legality of financial transactions; and e) analyzing, interpreting, and making recommendations related to accounting transactions, accounts and account relationships resulting in accounting entries.

Essential Attributes

• Experience applying accounting theory in practical work settings.
• Experience performing routine financial analysis.
• Experience communicating effectively in writing and verbally with internal and external partners.
• Experience using problem-solving and analytical skills to evaluate information and resolve issues.
• Experience organizing work, maintaining attention to detail, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience using computerized accounting systems to compile, maintain, and analyze accounting information.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets, graphing, tables, calculations, and automation tools, to efficiently process large quantities of business data.

Working Conditions

This position follows a standard professional work schedule. Initial training is conducted in person at the Salem office for approximately three weeks (five days per week). The training period may vary based on experience and business needs. After successful completion of training, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid schedules require up to two in-office workdays per week, with additional on-site days as needed during periods of increased workload. Note: some travel expenses not provided, nor reimbursable for remote work employees per travel policy paragraph 105: https://www.oregon.gov/das/Financial/Acctng/Documents/40.10.00.pdf Works in an integrated environment where diverse programs, partners and staff create the work team. Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens. General work conditions include high stress environment due to a high-volume workload with short time frames. Priority and scope of projects must be intensely monitored and frequent adjustments are required.

Background Checks and Requirements

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Requires a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation for travel.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

General Information

This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”